A FIREFIGHTER has told of the moment his team of heroes saved little Connor Scott from a watery grave.

Six-year-old Connor's apparently lifeless body was pulled out of the icy waters of the River Tonge in Bolton by firemen on Sunday afternoon.

The youngster had been exploring the banks of the river when the accident happened. The fast-reacting firefighters got to the scene just over three minutes after a call to the emergency services.

Connor was completely submerged in the freezing water when firefighters Mick Hobbins and Martin Brocklehurst plunged into the river to rescue him.

Sub officer Ian Ainsworth said: "The water was full of brambles and weeds and it was very slippery, we were struggling to find him, but them we spotted the boy with his head under the water.

"The water was very cold and his body temperature had dropped . . . he wasn't breathing and you tend to think the worst."

Firefighter Mick Rothwell gave Connor mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and after a few minutes he started breathing again.

Sub officer Brocklehurst said: "He was very lucky that the water was relatively still and clear, if it had been a few weeks earlier when the weather was very rainy it would have been a lot more murky and difficult to find him.

"There was a point where it was really hit and miss, but we were able to hand him over to the ambulance service breathing on his own. We've since heard he's doing very well and will soon be back home, which is very heartening to hear." Connor's parents Lee Scott, 31, and Jade Keegan, 31, were delighted at the miracle recovery of their son following 24-hours when they thought they may lose him.

Lee, who works for United Utilities, said: "The 24 hours after this happened were the worst and best of my life. Doctors explained to us the worst case scenario.

"But as it turned out, while that was happening, he was fighting to prove them wrong. He must have a guardian angel. From the account I was given of what happened he should be dead. It is a miracle."

Connor was take to the Royal Bolton Hospital and then transferred to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. The youngster, who was initially in the high dependency unit, has since moved back to the Bolton hospital.

Lee added: "I don't think he'll be going down to the river again. He'll be lucky if he's allowed out again before he's 30!"

Lee has already passed on his thanks to the fire service.

Barry Dixon, the chief county fire officer, said: "I am absolutely delighted to hear that young Connor seems to be making what is a remarkable recovery.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the professionalism of the firefighters who attended the incident has played a significant part in ensuring that Connor is still with us today."

The hero firefighters are now planning to invite Connor and his family to the fire station for a special tour when he is well enough.